I reached out into the darkness, my trembling fingers searching for warmth. But the other side of the bed was empty, and I was alone. I sat up slowly.

  “Tyla?” The moonlight shone bright outside, painting the world a smooth milky white. Tyla was sitting, her chin resting on her knees and her eyes red with tears. I sat down next to her. “You shouldn’t have spent so much time sleeping in the car.”

  “You said I could!” She burst into tears afresh.

  “I know, I’m sorry…I-I was just trying to be funny. Come here.” I slipped an arm around her and pulled her close to me. All at once, my mind was flooded with her thoughts and feelings. Poor thing.

  “Homesick?”

  “No… I’m everything sick. I hate it here. There’s no green anywhere, everything’s dead! I miss the trees and the grass! I miss it so much, Tiffany.”

  “I know, I know. It’s hard, but things will get better. You have to trust me, Tyla.” I hated that I was saying this. I couldn’t trust myself, why should I expect her to do it for me? “I love you, Tyla.”

  “I love you too!” We sat there for a little while, staring off into the distance in silence, while thoughts of home paraded through Tyla’s head.

  “You should try to sleep a little more,” I said gently after a while. Tyla nodded.

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  “I’m sorry, Tiffany. I’m sure you’re sick of dragging me around through everything. I’m no help and I spend the whole time complaining and fighting back.”

  “No, don’t say that it’s not true, Tyla. I’m happy you’re here with me. I really am.” Yes, I probably would have had sixteen mental breakdowns this morning if it wasn’t for her and her adorable little grunts. I took her hand and slowly led her back. It was good that she was finally willing to be so honest. “We’re going to be alright. We’ll always be alright. Would you like me to sing to you again?”

  “No. You should sleep too. I don’t want to keep you up.”

  “I don’t need sleep, remember?”

  “You should sleep, Tiffany.”

  “If you’re sure.” I gave her hand one last tight squeeze before lying down next to her. When this was all over and we were safe and free for good, then I would take her back home. Then we would see our parents once again. Then Tyla would be happy again. I closed my eyes thinking of that. We were going to have so much work to do in the morning. Tyla and I had found plenty of money and food, as well as weapons in the camp. We had taken them with us, but we hadn't really gotten the chance to test out the weapons. We really needed to do that. But for now, all I needed to focus on was sleeping.

  “Rm, go!” Connie squeaked.

  “Shh, you’ll wake Dad,” I whispered to her. Tears filled Connie’s big black eyes, and she let out a little sob. I began to hum very softly under my breath. She smiled up at me, and I held her closer to me. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t want me to go again. But dad says I have to. But don’t worry, I’ll be back to visit you again before you know it.”

  “Gooo,” Connie sighed as her eyes closed. I nodded in agreement.

  “Gooo.” I kissed her cheeks softly before tucking her in. Soon, I would be immortal, then I would show Connie how to become like me and we would live together forever and ever. There would be no death. No pain. And best of all, no fear. Yes, I just needed to visit my best friend Alexander a few more times.